Heritage on satellite

A group of conservatives on Monday unveiled plans for a round-the-clock TV network that will be available to satellite-dish owners nationwide in December.

“The time is right for a TV network dedicated to informing, inspiring, entertaining and activating Americans by broadcasting programs enshrining traditional American principles and values,” said Paul Weyrich, prexy of the D.C.-based Heritage Foundation.

National Empowerment Television will operate on C-band satellite delivery technology and will be available to some 3.5 million U.S. homes with a backyard dish.

Programming on the network, which projects a first-year budget of $ 2.3 million, will offer mostly analysis of Washington-related issues.

MPAA settles suit

The Motion Picture Assn. of America has settled a copyright infringement suit against a cable TV operator accused of shortchanging studios for programming. Terms were not disclosed.

Cencom Cable Associates denied allegations it set up a “broadcast-only” cable tier for only $ 2.95 per month in the St. Louis area, then underpaid royalties to Hollywood studios by misreporting the number of subscribers.